The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has strongly denied recent allegations of ₦700,000 extortion made by popular social media influencer Very Dark Man (VDM). The agency described the claims as baseless, inciting, and potentially in violation of Nigeria’s Cybercrime Act.

VDM, in a viral Instagram video, alleged that NAFDAC officials extorted ₦700,000 from traders at the Onitsha Bridge Head Market, displaying what he claimed was a receipt. He also threatened to take legal action against the agency.

NAFDAC Responds: “No Extortion, Just Lawful Enforcement”

In a rejoinder issued on Tuesday, NAFDAC dismissed VDM’s accusations and revealed that its enforcement operation followed all legal procedures. The agency clarified that its recent inspection of three open drug markets found widespread violations of Good Storage and Distribution Practices.

NAFDAC also pointed out that none of the inspected premises were registered with the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) — a major breach of federal regulations.

Regarding the charges, the agency stated:

• A ₦5 million fine for the sale of unregistered drugs was reduced to ₦200,000 following appeals.
• A separate ₦2 million penalty for poor storage was lowered to ₦500,000.

“These are Federal Government-gazetted charges, not illegal payments,” NAFDAC stated, urging the public to disregard false narratives and misinformation.

VDM’s Video Under Cybercrime Scrutiny

NAFDAC’s Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, condemned VDM’s video, describing it as a form of public incitement against lawful regulation. She warned that the influencer’s call for traders to resist NAFDAC inspections could endanger public health and violate Nigeria’s Cybercrime Act.

“What this perpetrator has done is openly tell his audience to defy the regulatory processes of NAFDAC,” she said.

She added that the enforcement was carried out in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

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NAFDAC has reported the matter to security agencies, leaving it to legal authorities to determine whether VDM’s actions constitute a criminal offense.

NAFDAC Reaffirms Commitment to Public Safety

In its final statement, NAFDAC reiterated its core mandate of ensuring that drugs, vaccines, medical devices, and food products in Nigeria meet international safety and quality standards.

“These efforts are vital in reducing maternal and child mortality, improving life expectancy, and supporting people with chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes,” Prof. Adeyeye added.

The agency urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and support its mission to protect public health, assuring that it would not be deterred by social media misinformation or attempts to discredit its enforcement activities.

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